Planning the Next Great Escape!

In a world filled with knowledge at our fingertips, we all can become an expert in everything in minutes. I know I have relied upon google for everything from a recipe to directions to advice. We have information thrown at us from all angles and we choose to accept it. The problem is there is so much out there that we can become overwhelmed and we just give up.

Most of my travels, I have been the one to book things. Some might say it was because I am a planner, but I can say is I hate going anywhere and not knowing what I can do! There’s always the question of “What do you want to do?” and “I don’t know, what do you want to do?” Then the age old “Where do you want to eat?” The conversation is as old as the invention of the American Highway system. In any case it drives sane people crazy!

I have friends to tell me they don’t like to plan and then we spend hours trying to figure out what to do and when and then we arrive, and they are closed or booked because of a lack of planning. Then we also stay in a place where you are a little afraid know what has happened at this hotel. It gets the look over for you to say, “The bags stay in the car, we are sleeping in our clothes and locking the door as soon as we get in the room.”

So here are my tips to have a great getaway and not another “I think this is the Bate’s Motel” moments.

1. Use a travel agent. Ok so why would I suggest this other than being a travel agent. Well there’s a lot of knowledge they bring to the table which saves you time. They may have exclusive deals that could include food, beverages, even planning things to do while you’re there. That saves you money. Online travel sites will offer limited information, but wouldn’t you like to know what else you can do? Sometimes the listing may have local attraction, but your travel dates might not work with when you can visit the attraction.
2. Know what you like. Remember the old saying of “What’s good for the goose is good for the gander”? It’s not always true. I can honestly tell you what I don’t like more than I can tell you what I do. If you travel anywhere, you need to know what you would and wouldn’t like. If you book a Broadway show and the rest of the group are in to racing, they will be talking through the entire show and ruin your time and others. Just know it is ok to split up so everyone can do their thing. Remember the old saying of “What’s good for the goose is good for the gander”?
3. Have a realistic budget. I know I am frugal. I like getting the most bang for my buck. This is where a travel agent can be helpful. They not only have exclusive deals for maybe hotels or flights, but they know the best places to eat and see and sometimes they can find offers with having it all together. Everyone knows that everything costs. Very few things in this life are free. So, if an agent if stating that the budget that was set is not enough, they are being honest. Remember, they know the cost from either their travels or someone they have booked. They will be honest with you because their goal for you to get there and to have an amazing trip.
4. Do your homework. Homework? Wait that’s for kids and college students, right? Well no. This is another place where a travel agent will be able to help. They know the times of the year when families, college spring breakers and others are traveling. Some attractions aren’t available at certain times of the year because of various reasons. They know if you want a romantic cabin getaway in the winter will get you a better rate than a cabin on the lake on 4^th of July weekend. Trust me when I say they will be able to tell you when it is the best time for the type of trip you want.

The big take away I want anyone to take from this is to remember this is your time to get away and have the best trip possible. No one wants their hard, earned money to go out the window and have nothing to show for it. Proper planning is essential to successful getaway. Sometimes you must consult a professional because even though the information it out there, it doesn’t mean we know how to interpert it.

Thanks for reading!